August 16, 2011

Today, I have been thinking about what it means to serve the Lord.  What do we mean by serving the Lord, and do we really even actually do it?  In Promiseland Kid’s ministry, we are currently in need of individuals willing to serve in our ministry with children.  We have needs in just about any area.  For some of our serving opportunities, it will take one to two hours a week; for others, it is only 20 minutes a month.

This has been on my heart and mind, so I did a little research in God’s Word and found that in some places serving is actually translated by the word worship.  Psalm 100:2, 3: “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

In Ephesians 6:7, the word serve implies not only serving on a Sunday in the church, but also each day during the week, whether for pay or not for pay.  We should serve as if we are working for God.  “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.” Eph. 6:7.

In just a quick study, we can assume that God wants us to see that our acts of serving can also be like worship.  It really doesn’t matter how or where you serve; it doesn’t matter if you get paid or if you volunteer.  It is all a matter of your heart’s attitude toward your service.

At this time, we do have many needs in children’s ministries.  I am confident that God will supply the needed volunteers.  Yet my heart’s prayer is that those who serve will see the tasks before them as an act of worship for the Lord, not for the praise of men.

Thanks for listening, and thanks for praying.

Becky

July 26, 2011

HAPPY TUESDAY MORNING From Hume Lake!

Right now I’m enjoying the beautiful Kings Canyon mountains at Hume Lake, Wagon Train Camp. I am here with 34 other brave Wagon Trainers living in a covered wagon, eating at the chuck wagon and enjoying worship and fellowship around the evening campfire.

Please be praying for the kids that are at Hume this week.  All together, we have 140 children, teens and adult counselors attending.  For everyone, the week will be filled with so much fun and so many wonderful activities.  It is truly a blessing to be able to participate in this wonderful camp.  Yet…the greatest blessing we have is the benefit of having a week that is centered around the teaching of God’s Word.  For some of our campers, this will be a new experience and may provide for them that first opportunity to know that God sent His son to be their Savior.  For others, it is a time to remember to put their Lord and Savior first in their life.

Please be praying for our kids…for  their health, safety, fun and more importantly that they will be touch by the Spirit of God in some way this week.

Hope you are also enjoying the beauty of our own Tuolumne County mountains.

Blessings,

Becky

July 19, 2011

Good Morning!

For some, this summer has been a season of mourning.  It seems like each day I am hearing about the death of a loved one or the loss of a family due to divorce.  Monday, I met two ladies at the CCN food bank.  I was surprised to find them needing food.  Yesterday, I spoke with a friend struggling with depression, and I also know of siblings who won’t speak.

We all can feel alone or discouraged.  Many times, we are at a loss for words and find we are without hope.  In our heads, we know God but our hearts can’t find his love.  This summer, I have been blessed to do a Bible study with about 12 other women that share in ministry with me.  The main content of our study is taken from Isaiah chapter 61, and so I thought I would share this with you.

¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.
² He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
³ To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

What a blessing it is to know that the Lord will restore those that He loves.  What a blessing it is to know that it is for His glory.

Blessings,

Becky

June 28, 2011

Happy Summer!  Well…maybe…they say it’s going to rain tomorrow, but I hope you are having a good summer anyway.

We were very blessed last week by a tremendous experience with our leaders and kids!  Over 400 kids were in attendance throughout the week, but an even bigger blessing than numbers was the fun, fellowship, and growth we saw in our children, as well as our leaders.  Several children made decisions to follow Jesus.

Our leaders did a terrific job.  I am always humbled by the quality of leaders we have serving in the various volunteer positions.  From the moment we stepped on campus at 7:00 am until we sent the last child home at 3:00 pm, our teams served with a whole heart.  God really blessed.  For those who were with us, thank you so much for the time, energy, and love you gave.  It is my prayer that God will bless you for leading these kids to a closer relationship with Him.

Enjoy your Day

- Becky

June 7, 2011

Hey, Good Morning!

It’s that time of year when I am wrapping my brain around creating sets, learning songs, recruiting leaders, dreaming up silly games, and staying up at night wondering if it will all come together—and if it comes together, will anyone will even come to see it!  Yes, it is time for what was traditionally known as VBS, or maybe for you it was DVBS – Daily Vacation Bible School.  I can still sing a song about that, and when I was a kid we went for to DVBS for two weeks.

The times have changed, and this year our kid’s day camp will be called “Surfs Up Beach Bash.”  A fun week of games, food, friends, and yes, many stories about God’s Word will be given to the children in our community.  It is my personal hope that we will do our best, not for our own gain but that Jesus might be glorified.

I love it when I hear that kids want to go to church, or they had fun, or they can’t wait to come back.  One child told a parent, “I wanna go back to the party!”  What a great way to think about learning and growing together in Christ!  It should be a glorious pleasure to learn about Jesus.  And what a pleasure it is to be part of introducing our children to Jesus.

So please be praying for all the preparation that will be going into June 20 – 24.  Pray for the leaders who will be serving. They give many hours of time and lots of love. Above all, pray for the children.  Pray that they will see and hear about the God who made them and the God who loved them enough to send His Son – Jesus.

God bless, and pray for me – today will be busy!!

Becky

May 31, 2011

Faith in Action Sunday was a day filled with fun and creative ministry.  Children’s Ministries was able to tackle several projects right here in Promiseland!  From making sandwiches for our Food for Thought ministry, cookies for the laundry ministry, and working on several projects that will enable us to have a week of fun for the children at Surfs Up, Beach Bash Kids day camp!  The day was filled with activity.

The fun part for me was the people who came not knowing that our regular church services had been canceled.  We were able to invite visitors and families to join us in our sandwich preparation, painting and even cement creations that were taking the place of our typical Sunday morning activities.  Our visitors jumped right in and joined us knowing that they would be part of not just “going to church” but “being the church”.

I love our Faith in Action Sundays, but I am always reminded that we should have a “Faith in Action” attitude each day.  Matthew 5:16 – “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I pray that God will be glorified by all of the good works that our church family participated in.  It really doesn’t matter if you gave blood, visited the sick and shut-in, helped with yards or gardens, collected clothing for the poor or even prepared for a week of VBS.  The purpose is – may God be glorified.  I pray that this attitude will be what fuels you and energizes you each day.

God bless you, and may God be glorified by your efforts and life today.

Becky

 

May 17, 2011

Over the past four weeks, our children have also been learning about the promises our Bible reveals to us about heaven.  It has been a fun journey.  One child received Christ, and the subject has stirred up a lot of conversation in the hearts of many of our children during small group time.

This week, our children learn that heaven is for kids.  That’s right.  Jesus said, “The kingdom of Heaven belongs to the little ones.”  What exciting news.  With children around, Heaven will never be dull or boring.  No, it will be filled with fun and laughter as children joyfully praise God.

This week as I was driving around Sonora doing Saturday errands, my two granddaughters, who are 3 and 4, sang praise songs.

Water you turned into wine opened the eyes of the blind.   There’s no on like You – None like You.
Our God is greater!  Our God is stronger – God you are higher than any other.
Our God is healer, awesome in power.  Our God!
If our God is for us then who can ever stop us – and if our God is with us then what can stand against us!

My heart was filled with joy as I heard their precious faith forming as they worshiped the Lord in their car seats.  I could only imagine a smile on the face of the Father as he listened to our darling girls.

As you read the gospels, you see that Jesus truly loved and valued children.  He even used children as an example to the adults as He taught.  As you talk with your kids in your family or even your work environment, will you look at them as Jesus does?  Remember…Jesus said, “their angels are continually before the face of the Father”.  It is also a great reminder for adults, who often get caught up knowing all the facts or doctrines, trying to be right.  Read His word.  Believe His Word, and put it into action.

Have a Great and Blessed Day!

Becky

May 3, 2011

What a great day we had on Sunday, sharing the good news of Jesus’ eternal plan for our lives!

If you missed this past Sunday, we are beginning a new series on Heaven.  The children, along with the adults, are looking at what God’s words tell us about our future home.   This last Sunday, our children’s focus was on the home Jesus is preparing for all whose names are found in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Following our big group teaching time, one of our 5th grade boys came up to me and said, “I want to be sure.”  I quickly looked for one of our men leaders to talk with this very serious and yet very precious young man.  What a privilege we have!  I am thankful, and I am amazed that God would allow us to be part of sharing God’s love given through His Son, Jesus.

At the end of our morning session, I talked with this young boy again.  He said, “I feel better. Jesus has come into my life.”  This young boy has no active father in his life.  He has been raised by a loving grandfather, who has faithfully brought him to Promiseland week after week.

Pray for him and the many others who come each week.  I will be praying that your day and your week are a blessing.

Becky

April 26, 2011

What a joy it was to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ this past Sunday at the Sonora Fairgrounds.  Yes, it was a lot of work! To transport all of our equipment and create an environment of safety for our children and worship for our church family, but the blessings felt on this Easter morning far outweighed the work.

I want to thank the many who made this day possible by loading, driving trucks, setting up tables and toys, cleaning and then the ultimate sacrifice of giving their time as they cared for our children during the worship service.  Our terrific volunteers served without pay or recognition, gladly giving their love and their time.

May God bless you and multiply your reward as you serve Him.

Becky Howell

April 12, 2011

Good Tuesday morning!

Sunday night, we had a really fun event for our 3^rd through 6^th graders.  Each of the kids were given the opportunity share a talent – and boy, did they!  We had so much fun at our KidsCore Talent show.  Children shared their clarinet, piano, guitar, and singing skills, and even some very cute original skits.  One of our very fun 3^rd grade boys dressed up as a character from Star Wars, and by the time he was done he had the entire group of kids, leaders, and parents singing along.

What a reminder of the talents, imagination, and creativity God has given to each of His children.  How blessed we are, and how wonderful and creative our God is.  As I watched our children, I could just imagine God smiling, laughing, and saying, “I am so proud of my kids.”

Becky

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